Most colleges and universities affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast last week have re-opened their doors to students. All 12 state universities in Florida resumed classes on Sept. 30, Florida Phoenix reports. In Georgia, Valdosta State University, Georgia Southern University and a slew of technical colleges resume classes this upcoming Monday—as does East Tennessee State University.
However, several colleges across North Carolina have remained closed due to the particular damage Helene reaped across its Western region. Half of the 190 people confirmed dead insofar came from the Tar Heel State, NBC News reports.
The hurricane, which reached a category 4 when it made landfall, tore through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, and it even knocked out power as far north as Cincinnati.
Surveying Hurricane Helene’s damage
Appalachian State and Western North Carolina University have suspended courses through Friday, WXII 12 reports, and UNC Asheville will suspend classes until at least Oct. 9. At least nine North Carolina community colleges have remained closed through Friday, EdNC reports, and A-B Technical Community College will be closed until at least Oct. 14.
“Hurricane Helene has left western North Carolina’s community colleges and their communities reeling,” read a press release from N.C. Community College System. “Now, these colleges are stepping up to lead the recovery.”
Click here to donate to the Hurricane Helene Community College Response and Recovery Fund.
Some of Hurricane Helene’s lasting damage extends beyond North Carolina. Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia has yet to notify whether classes will resume next week.
Legacy admissions shut down at all California private colleges
California has become just the second state to ban legacy and donor preferences in admissions at private colleges and universities.
More from UB: States are finding ways to raise postsecondary attainment
A new accreditor hits the scene
The National Association for Academic Excellence officially launched this week to challenge legacy accreditors and exceed what they deem “acceptable” academic excellence and rigor, according to a press release.
“NAAE, Inc. is filling an essential gap in the accreditation landscape,” said Cecilia Livengood, the accreditor’s associate executive director of accreditation. “Our standards and processes offer a strong foundation for confidence in the higher education system, ensuring that institutions provide value relative to student intentions and their intellectual, spiritual and financial investment.”
The accreditor was founded last year following the Department of Education’s decision in 2020 to eliminate the distinction between “regional” and “national” accreditors.
